How to Capture the Perfect 360-Degree Tours on the Water

One of my favourite places to capture 360-degree tours is on the water.

Choosing a mode of transport

The obvious choice would be to use a boat. Though in line with our Environment Charter, I wanted something greener.

A canoe seemed like a good option, but it was difficult to find a good mount point for the camera. It was the same story in a kayak. In both instances, a Trek Pack proved problematic due to the movement of my torso and arms when paddling.

Then I discovered stand up paddle boarding (SUP’ing).

Inflatable SUP’s are easy to transport, very stable in Grade I conditions (inc. small ocean waves), and paddling does not move your torso anywhere near as much as when sitting in a canoe or kayak. Thus, making a Trek Pack perfectly suited to SUP tours.

Touring SUPs

There are three basic types of stand up paddle boards: surf, allround, and flatwater/race.

For shooting 360-degree tours, I use a Model II board produced by the UK company Two Bare Feet.

The board is now discontinued but Two Bare Feet still sell many similar boards under different names.

It is a very stable, inflatable board that can be rolled away and packed into a large bag with rucksack straps. I carry it on and off trains with ease. Being inflatable it is also lightweight (something I don’t take for granted when carrying around locks, white water, etc.).

Note: Avoid cheap plastic paddles. You’ll soon regret the small amount of money you will have saved over a more rigid carbon-hybrid paddle. I did!

The board and paddle have lasted me 3 years, and counting. I really can’t fault it. Though I’d recommend hiring one first to get a feel for what’s out there.